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Unless they are especially valuable or designed to be returned, they aren't "brought back". They simply fall back as their orbit slows relative to the earth due to drag from gravity, magnetic fields, dust and gas. To keep a satellite in orbit permanently it would have to be moved up periodically (some can do this on their own).

Sometimes satellites run out of the fuel they need to have their orbits adjusted to keep them in the right place. Geostationary satellites need to be moved every two weeks.

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17y ago
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6mo ago

Old satellites are brought back from space to avoid them becoming space debris that poses a risk of colliding with other operational satellites or spacecraft. By safely deorbiting and disposing of old satellites, it helps in reducing the amount of space debris in orbit around the Earth.

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Q: Why are old satellites brought back from space?
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What does the word space debris mean?

Space debris refers to man-made objects in orbit around Earth that no longer serve a useful purpose. These objects can include old satellites, rocket stages, and fragments from spacecraft collisions. Space debris poses a risk to operational satellites and spacecraft in orbit.


How many satallite are in space?

There are thousands of satellites currently in space, used for various purposes such as communication, weather monitoring, navigation, and scientific research. The exact number can fluctuate as new satellites are launched and old ones are decommissioned.


How does space junk get in space?

Space junk is usually the result of human-made objects that are no longer operational or have been discarded in space. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and debris from missions. Over time, these objects can collide with each other, creating more debris and increasing the amount of space junk in orbit.


What happens to the old satellites?

Old satellites either remain in orbit as space debris, eventually falling back to Earth and burning up in the atmosphere, or are intentionally deorbited and moved to a "graveyard" orbit to reduce the risk of collision with operational satellites. Some may also be repositioned for alternative uses or repurposed for different missions.


What are examples of space junk?

Space junk refers to debris in space that is no longer functional and poses a risk to operational spacecraft. Examples include defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and discarded equipment from space missions. These pieces of debris can range in size from large objects like old satellites to tiny flecks of paint.

Related questions

What happens to old satellites?

Old satellites orbiting near the Earth eventually fall back into the atmosphere and burn. Satellites orbiting farther away stay in orbit indefinitely.


What does the word space debris mean?

Space debris refers to man-made objects in orbit around Earth that no longer serve a useful purpose. These objects can include old satellites, rocket stages, and fragments from spacecraft collisions. Space debris poses a risk to operational satellites and spacecraft in orbit.


How many satallite are in space?

There are thousands of satellites currently in space, used for various purposes such as communication, weather monitoring, navigation, and scientific research. The exact number can fluctuate as new satellites are launched and old ones are decommissioned.


What is space pollution?

Space pollution, also known as space debris or space junk, refers to the human-made objects, such as defunct satellites and rocket fragments, that orbit the Earth. These objects pose a risk to functioning satellites, spacecraft, and astronauts in space due to the potential for collisions. The accumulation of space debris is a growing concern for space agencies and the space industry.


What country got the US interested in space?

The old Soviet Union. first with satellites, then with manned spaceflight.


How does space junk get in space?

Space junk is usually the result of human-made objects that are no longer operational or have been discarded in space. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and debris from missions. Over time, these objects can collide with each other, creating more debris and increasing the amount of space junk in orbit.


What happens to the old satellites?

Old satellites either remain in orbit as space debris, eventually falling back to Earth and burning up in the atmosphere, or are intentionally deorbited and moved to a "graveyard" orbit to reduce the risk of collision with operational satellites. Some may also be repositioned for alternative uses or repurposed for different missions.


What old shows are Nickelodeon bringing back on March 14 2011?

They brought back Rug Rats, but I don't know if they brought anything else back.


What are examples of space junk?

Space junk refers to debris in space that is no longer functional and poses a risk to operational spacecraft. Examples include defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and discarded equipment from space missions. These pieces of debris can range in size from large objects like old satellites to tiny flecks of paint.


Why can't a satellite in space never hit a human?

Actually, it can. It is a very rare occurrence, but pieces of a decending satellite can hit a person, but since most satellites burn up in the atmosphere, and only large satellites can have piece survive the burnup, the chances that someone will be hit by one is very, very small. In the Space Station or Space Shuttle, that is a different story. The ground control works to prevent pieces of old satellites and "space junk" from hits the shuttle, or station, or astronauts. In fact, one paint chip from an old satellite or rocket booster did hit the Space shuttle's thick window, causing the outer layers to shatter.


How many satellites are in space right now?

I thing 2700 satellites are in Space right now I am Javed Alam Saifi S/O Mr.Irshad Alam Saifi I lived In Jasola Old village (New Delhi) now Before time I lived in Mukarpur Satti (UP). Thanking For It Seen. By :- J.A.S


Do old satellites fall from space?

Yes, old satellites eventually fall back to Earth due to gravitational forces. Most burn up upon re-entry into the atmosphere, but some leftover debris may survive and reach the Earth's surface. Organizations monitor these re-entries to minimize risks to people and property.